My beliefs are now more in tune with the programme the Liberal Democrats have
set out

Bill Newton Dunn

"At the last election, Conservatives stood for a platform of being 'in
Europe, not run by Europe'.

"Our positive message was supported
overwhelmingly by the British people.

"Sad to say, it's now clear that Bill campaigned under false pretences."

He added: "Bill is clearly a euro-federalist. He does not believe in Britain. Under
these circumstances, it is quite right that he should join the Liberal
Democrats, who want to be in Europe, and run by Europe."

'A real home'

The defection was welcomed by Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy.

"I am delighted that someone of
Bill Newton Dunn's experience and stature has joined the Liberal Democrats.

"As William Hague takes his party further and further to the right, on and
off every passing bandwagon, the Liberal Democrats continue to offer a real home
to people with moderate one nation values."

Labour Euro-leader Simon Murphy criticised Mr Newton Dunn's move.

"Bill Newton Dunn is
abandoning the party that wants nothing European at any price, for the party
that wants everything European whatever the price.

"He is going from being a fringe Tory to joining a fringe party."

Mr Newton Dunn has been an MEP since 1979. He has represented the East Midlands since 1999 and had previously represented Lincolnshire from 1979 to 1994.